Share

Potgieter or Michalak at 10?

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg - Jacques-Louis Potgieter may run out at flyhalf for the Sharks against his former Cheetahs team-mates on Saturday.

There is some doubt whether the hamstring injury suffered by Frenchman Frederic Michalak in the Sharks' Currie Cup victory over the Pumas in Nelspruit will heal sufficiently for him to be able to play against the Free Staters in Durban.

"The chances are 50-50 that he (Michalak) will play. A decision on him will be taken on Thursday," said team doctor Ewoudt van der Linde.

The news on the two other injured players - flank Marcell Coetzee and centre Marius Joubert - is better.

Coetzee broke his nose against the Pumas and 32-year-old Joubert suffered an ankle injury. A call on their availability will only be made on Thursday, but Van der Linde is hopeful that they will be declared fit.

The Sharks had a light "recovery session" on Monday morning following the weekend's intense match in Nelspruit. There was a major downpour in Durban on Monday afternoon and the weather may have an adverse effect on the Sharks' preparation for the match against the Cheetahs.

It's no secret that Potgieter's move to the Sharks has not yielded the dividends that he or the union were after.

The former Cheetahs and Blue Bulls player said recently that although it was frustrating to watch from the sidelines, "you have to wait patiently for your chance".

He said that strange things could happen.

"A few seasons ago I still played for the Griffons in the middle of the Currie Cup and a month or two later I was in the Currie Cup final with the Cheetahs."

Sharks coach John Plumtree lauded the bravery of Coetzee, who broke his nose early in the Pumas clash and was not afraid to return a number of times after treatment.

"For such a young guy he is very hard and he's not afraid of anything. Keep an eye on him - he will go far," said Plumtree.
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE